Photo Courtesy Fort Bend County ChambeKeri Schmidt joined the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in 2000 as membership director and was named president following a unanimous decision by the chamber's board of directors in October 2010. She now oversees all of the chamber's divisions—such as governmental relations, business development and transportation—and also participates in community and chamber events throughout the year, giving large and small local business owners a chance to network together and helping with business development and retention in the community.
Before her work with the chamber, Schmidt worked with Guardian Savings—a savings and loan association based in downtown Dallas. She was transferred to the Houston office in 1993 where she worked for the company for more than 16 years. In her time with Guardian Savings, Schmidt served as a regional trainer and manager and assisted with a variety of duties, such as multi-family management and branch acquisition and construction, before becoming a senior vice president overseeing branch operations in five states. Schmidt said that her previous job helped her realize her talents for critical thinking and community involvement.
From ground breaking and ribbon cutting services to monthly events featuring public figures and valuable information for businesses, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce acts as a proponent for the local business community and a resource for numerous members representing a range of retailers, restaurants and corporations.
As president of the chamber, Schmidt said her priorities are to keep true to the chamber's mission of serving as advocates of the business community and by helping members meet their objectives.
